When an emergency occurs and you need cash, that lump of money sitting in your retirement account suddenly looks very tempting.

I recently spoke with an investor who experienced an emergency and wanted to take a loan from his 401(k) until he received his insurance settlement. He was very aware that his 401(k) should be his last resort and was struggling with the decision. Of course, he also received unsolicited advice to take a hardship withdrawal. Thankfully this investor was not only thinking through the situation, but he also sought professional advice.

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William G. Lako, Jr., CFP®, is a principal at Henssler Financial and a co-host on “Money Talks”—your trusted resource for your money, your future, your life—airing Saturdays at 10 a.m. on AM 920 The Answer. Mr. Lako is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.

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